Construction Association backs work permit changesBy Owain Johnston-BarnesConstruction Association boss Charles Dunstan has expressed his support for work permit policy changes.Mr Dunstan said: “While many of the changes are focused on removing impediments to businesses setting up in Bermuda, thereby creating jobs and income for all local businesses, the latest revisions also begin the process of increasing punitive measures for contraventions of work permit policy.“The Construction Association supports both of these efforts. Rogue employers should know that past behaviour will not be tolerated.”Mr Dunstan said the measures should help to alleviate public concerns about the removal of term limits, and that the draft was just the first step in a continuing review process with the Stakeholder Group.“All industry segments will have a chance to offer input to future changes, and the Construction Association looks forward to continued contribution to that process,” he said.The draft, released last week, included the introduction of Special Category Work Permits, expanded the list of closed and restricted job categories and allows the dependant children of non-Bermudians under the age of 19 to work summers without work permits.Progressive Labour Party Senator Marc Daniels said that while the party supports measures to protect opportunities for Bermudians, the proposed change of policy allowing non-Bermudian children to seek summer jobs could disenfranchise Bermuda’s young people.